Mazdakism

Mazdakism was an Iranian religion, which was a offshoot of Zoroastrianism. The religion has been called one of the most noteworthy examples of pre-modern communism.[1]

The religion was founded in the early Sasanian era by Zardusht, a Zoroastrian priest who was a contemporary of Mani (d. 274).[2] It is however named after its most prominent advocate, Mazdak, who was a powerful and controversial figure during the reign of king (shah) Kavad I (r. 498–531).[3]